Older adult affected, in recoveriy

An older adult from Livingston County is Michigan’s first confirmed case of West Nile virus this year, state health officials confirmed Friday.

The resident is currently in recovery, a Michigan Department of Health and Human Services spokeswoman said. The department does not provide further information on West Nile patients.

West Nile virus is most commonly spread by mosquitos. While most of those infected show no symptoms, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention states that about one person in five develop a fever. Less than 1 percent of those infected can develop a serious, sometimes fatal, central nervous system illness.

“Hot, dry summers are ideal for the mosquito that transmits West Nile virus, and this case is an important reminder to stay vigilant against mosquito bites throughout the summer,” said Dr. Eden Wells, chief medical executive at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. “All residents older than 6 months of age should use repellent and take extra care during peak mosquito-biting hours between dusk and dawn.”

Additional recommended steps include:

• Maintaining window and door screening to keep mosquitoes outside.

• Draining mosquito-breeding sites such as buckets, kiddie pools and old tires, and using nets, fans or both over outdoor dining areas.

• Using insect repellents with DEET, or another Environmental Protection Agency-approved product to ward off mosquitos.

• Wearing light-colored, long-sleeved shirts and long pants when outdoors and applying insect repellent to clothing to help prevent bites.

As of Friday, 13 birds have tested positive for West Nile virus so far this year. Three mosquito breeding pools, including pools in Oakland and Saginaw counties, have also tested positive for the virus. Infected birds and mosquitoes can provide an early warning as to West Nile virus’ presence in a community.